Oilers vs. Panthers: Florida Wins Game 2, Takes 2-0 Series Lead
Panthers Win 4-1 to take 2-0 lead
Oilers Struggle to Keep Pace
The Florida Panthers took control of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday night, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 4-1 in Game 2 to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The Panthers were able to outlast the Oilers in a physical contest, scoring three unanswered goals in the second period to take a commanding lead. Aleksander Barkov, Anthony Duclair, and Jonathan Huberdeau all found the back of the net for Florida, while Connor McDavid scored the lone goal for Edmonton.
The Oilers had a chance to tie the game in the third period, but they were unable to convert on a power play opportunity. The Panthers then iced the game with an empty-net goal by Sam Bennett with just over a minute remaining.
Panthers Captain Injured
The Panthers suffered a major blow late in the third period when captain Aleksander Barkov was injured after a collision with Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard. Barkov left the game and did not return, and his status for Game 3 is uncertain.
Conclusion:
The Panthers have now won two straight games in the Stanley Cup Final, and they will look to take a commanding 3-0 lead when the series shifts to Edmonton for Games 3 and 4.
The Oilers, meanwhile, will need to find a way to generate more offense if they want to get back into the series. They have struggled to score goals against the Panthers' stingy defense, and they will need to be better if they want to avoid falling into an 0-3 hole.
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